How Technical Directors and General Secretaries work together as a ‘leadership team’ was the theme of the FIFA Technical Leadership Introductory Course for new Technical Directors in Rabat, Morocco, between 6-10 March.
40 participants representing AFC, CAF and CONCACAF member associations explored the importance of collaborative relationships, the role of the Technical Director, and long-term planning during the 5-day course held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
AFC, CAF and Concacaf Technical Directors and General Secretaries at a workshop in Rabat, Morocco
“Although it is not the first time FIFA have brought together Technical Directors and General Secretaries on a course, it is still a relatively new and unique approach to how we are approaching education for our member associations,” explained Jamie Houchen, FIFA Head of Technical Leadership.
“We know that the success of a Technical Director is often down to their relationship with the General Secretary, and we also know that being collaborative is a key part of being successful in the role. So, our aim was to bring the two roles together to explore how they can work effectively as a leadership team,” added Houchen.
TD and GS Leadership Course Morocco – theory session
‘The presence of the Technical Director is fundamental’
Participants were welcomed to the course by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Faouzi Lekjaa. In his opening address, Lekjaa outlined the importance of football development and the crucial role Technical Directors have in achieving this aim.
“The presence of the Technical Director to install and establish a vision and programme of football development is fundamental. What technical directors do will condition the young persons, and practices of tomorrow.”
TD Leadership Course Morocco – group exercise
Technical Director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Chris Van Puyvelde, was a participant on the course and underlined the importance of sharing knowledge between member associations.
“To listen to other colleagues and to see how they work is a really good opportunity and platform to work together,” said Van Puyvelde. “I have been here to learn and you learn a lot by discussing and you learn a lot by listening.”
Sharing experiences of the day-to-day role of the Technical Director
In addition to the focus on working together, Technical Directors spent time sharing experiences of their day-to-day role and exploring the leadership capabilities needed for effective performance.
“Courses like this are very enriching because you share ideas and you see there’s always room for improvement,” said Nasser Larguet, Technical Director for the Saudi Arabian FA. “Although I have been in position for a long time, there are always a few things that you learn and that get me to change my course.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 06: Girls Pathway Manager Debbie Fisher (L) Football Federation Australia Head of Education Oscar Gonzales and Football Australia Women’s Technical Advisor Rae Dowerfield pose for a photo during the FIFA Coach Education Development Pathway – Australia at Gunyama Park, Zetland on May 6, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/FIFA via Getty Images)
Technical Director for women’s football in Australia, Rae Dower, celebrated the opportunity to discuss women’s football with other participants.
“I feel really privileged to have been here alongside so many really strong female leaders in the room,” said Dower. “Listening to how receptive and positive everyone has been about the women’s game is another really great step forward. I love these kinds of opportunities to talk both formally and informally about the game. It really helps to promote a lot of self-reflection and self-discovery.”
